Summer 2026

Unearth a Story: Summer Reading at the Gays Mills Public Library

Stop in and register to take part in our fun summer program, and make sure and check in for related news and events!

All ages are welcome. Even if you are as old as the dinosaurs.

July and August 2026

Get into the Groove-y Tie Dying Workshop

Wednesday, July 15, 10-12am

Get in touch with your inner groove! We’ll have fun tie dying shirts and other fabrics. This is the third year we’ve offered this very popular program, so we’re getting pretty good at it- if we do say so ourselves!
All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or stop into the library to register.

Summer Read-a-Thon at the Gays Mills Farmers Market

Wednesday, July 22, 2:30 – 4:30 pm

At the Lions Shelter in Gays Mills

This event celebrates reading and we’ll be doing it out loud! We’re looking for volunteers of all ages who would like to read for the small audience in attendance. You choose what to read. All ages are welcome. If this sounds like fun to you, then sign up for a ten minute slot. Refreshments will be served. The Market is usually at the Gays Mills Lions Shelter off of Main Street, but may be relocated for weather reasons.

Driftless Digger: Metal Detecting and More

Saturday, July 25, 11am – 1pm

Join metal detectorist Jim Winter for this fascinating program. Jim will give a presentation on metal detecting and show slides of some of his more noteworthy finds. There will be a hands-on portion of the program where you try out a detector for yourself! For all ages.

Teen/Young Adult Book Discussion

Wednesday, August 5, 3:00 pm

Join us for a lively discussion of the 2018 young adult fantasy novel, “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi. It’s the first in the Legacy or Orisha trilogy, blending West African mythology with a story of magic, oppression, and coming-of-age. The novel has been adapted for film and will be released in 2027. Please contact the library to reserve a copy of the book. Refreshments will be served.
For teens and young adults, and young at heart old codgers if any are interested.

Living Treasures: A Discussion of Gays Mills History

Saturday, August 8, 1:00 pm

At the Old Community Building, 212 Main Street, Gays Mills

Oral history is both the oldest type of historical inquiry, predating the written word, and one of the most modern, initiated with tape recorders in the 1940s and now using 21st century digital technologies. Come sit by our imaginary fire as we share stories and discussion on the history of our beloved Gays Mills. Featured speakers will include Brian McKnight, Marilyn McManamy, Janet Teach, Jim Maybee, and more. There will be plenty of opportunity for audience input and Q & A, so bring your questions…and a story or two!
Note: This even will be held at the Old Community Building at 212 Main Street, Gays Mills.

June 2026

Saturday, June 13, 2026 1 p.m.

Author Talk with Sue Berg

We are super excited to be hosting Sue Berg for the first in a series of talks from local authors that we will be offering at the library!

Sue Berg grew up with family stories; stories about hunting and fishing adventures, slightly irreverent relatives, and family sagas of immigrant descendants. Growing up as the only girl among four brothers, she tagged along as the odd girl out and participated in wild risk-taking and saucy adventures. After a career in teaching and raising her family to adulthood, the smoke cleared. Completely by accident, Sue came across the book, Shut Up and Write! by Judy Bridges, founder of Redbird Studios in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The advice struck a chord in her. She sat down at her computer and began writing the Driftless mystery/suspense series. Her first novel, Driftless Gold, was published in April 2021. Sue lives with her husband in the Driftless area of Wisconsin. Her latest book, Death at the Dentist, was published June 2025. In addition to writing, she enjoys quilting, watercolor painting, camping, gardening, hiking and her children and grandchildren. (from the Author’s biography)

Sue is the author of the popular Jim Higgins Driftless Mystery Series and the Dirty Business Mystery Series.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 10 a.m.

Butterflies & Flutterbies- Music with Mama G Story Hour

Join us for a very special Story Hour, “Butterflies & Flutterbies ~ Music with Mama G”. Get into your summer story groove with Ericka Guthrie, an amazing local mama and musician. We will have songs, stories, crafts, and special snacks to celebrate the season. Bring your littles and your sense of wonder for what promises to be a very special event!

June 30, 2026: 5 to 7 p.m.

Keeping it Creative for Teens and Adults: Rock Painting with Robin Chamberlain Sweeney

For this month’s Keeping it Creative for Teens and Adults, Robin Chamberlain Sweeney will be guiding us in creating beautiful works of art using found rocks and paint markers.

Rock painting can take many forms, from ancient cave art to a modern creative movement combining artistic expression, environmental consciousness, and community building. Your pint size pieces of art can serve multiple purposes – from garden decorations and paperweights to mindfulness tools and hidden treasures that can spread kindness and love. No experience necessary, and leave your self-judgement at the door. Robin is a local multimedia artist and musician. We are thrilled to have her facilitating this workshop!

Note: We will be starting at 5 p.m.

February 2026

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day at the Gays Mills Public Library!

Join us on Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 a.m. for a magical morning of stories and fun.

This year’s Take Your Child to the Library Day features a dragon theme. (We almost called it “Dragon Your Child to the Library Day,” but thought better of it.) Children and families will enjoy dragon-themed stories and create their own fire-breathing dragons as a craft project. The event will also include special guest readers, songs, games, enchanting gift bags, and yummy treats.

On the first Saturday in February, thousands of libraries around the world celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by offering free, fun, and fabulous activities for families. Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun—and Take Your Child to the Library Day is the perfect time to discover a little library magic.

November 2025

Special Events – Summer 2025